How Much Does a Mosquito Misting System Cost?

Highlights

• The typical cost range to install a mosquito misting system is between $2,026 and $3,488, while the national average cost is $2,740.
• The main factors that affect the total cost for this project include the system type and brand, insecticide type, storage type, number of nozzles, cost of labor, and cost of winterization services.
• The benefits of installing a mosquito misting system include a reduced mosquito population, increased yard use, fewer mosquito bites, disease prevention, cost effectiveness, convenience, and quick results.
• Unless a homeowner has experience working with mosquito misting systems, it’s usually best for them to leave the installation work to an experienced professional.

When the weather is nice and the sun is shining brightly overhead, the last thing most people want to worry about is mosquitoes, but these pesky insects come out every spring. Mosquitoes are drawn to yards with tall grass, standing water, and dense foliage where the pests can hide during the hottest hours of the day. Mosquitoes typically breed in locations with a lot of shade and moisture, like in an old bucket with a few gallons of water, under the deck, or even in clogged gutter systems.

While there are many short-term methods or DIY mosquito traps for treating mosquitoes, they often seem to come back after a few days. Even professional treatments typically last for only about 30 days before the exterminators need to return to the property. However, with a mosquito misting system, users can set the system to mist two or three times a day when mosquitoes are the most active. This eliminates flying mosquitoes and helps to repel any survivors from the area.

According to HomeAdvisor, the typical price range for mosquito misting systems stretches from $2,026 to $3,488, while the average price is about $2,740. Homeowners can use this guide to learn more about mosquito misting system cost factors, allowing them to come up with an accurate budget for the purchase and installation of a mosquito misting system for their yard.

What is a mosquito misting system?

Mosquito misting systems, or mosquito misters, are essentially a series of interconnected nozzles mounted around the yard that are attached to a tank filled with a pesticide, repellent, or insecticidal solution. The mosquito misting system will spray the pesticide solution in a fine mist at preset intervals throughout the day.

Some mosquito misting systems come with additional nozzles for increased coverage, and the system may also be able to be used with a remote control or through a smart device app. Ideally, the misting system will be used in the early morning, just before dawn, and in the evening at dusk, when mosquitoes are the most active.

Factors in Calculating Mosquito Misting System Cost

Before purchasing a mosquito misting system for the yard, homeowners are advised to consider the various mosquito misting system cost factors that can impact the overall price of the product and the installation. These include the type of misting system, insecticide, and storage as well as the system brand, number of nozzles, labor costs, and winterization process.

System Type

The first factor that homeowners will want to consider before purchasing a mosquito misting system to get rid of mosquitoes is the type of system they want to install, such as automatic, portable, remote, or solar.

• Automatic misting systems will typically cost about $350 to $2,800. These mosquito misting systems automatically disperse the repellent or pesticide at preset periods, making these systems ideal for those who prefer to set it and forget it.
• Portable mosquito misting systems cost about $700 to $2,500. The benefit of these portable systems is that the user can pack the system up into a truck or camper for mosquito control at a campsite or cottage.
• Remote mosquito misting systems function with a remote control. They can be set for automated misting, similar to an automatic misting system, but the user has superior control with a designated remote, a smart home system, or a mobile app. Customers can expect to pay about $350 to $3,000 for a remote mosquito misting system.
• Solar misting systems rely on solar energy for power instead of a direct connection to the home electrical system, generators, or batteries. Most solar misting systems will also have a backup power option to ensure ongoing protection, even when there is no sunlight. These systems cost about $350 to $500 on average.

Insecticide Type

The type of insecticide or pesticide that is used in the mosquito misting system will affect the initial cost and the ongoing cost to use this system, so it’s important for homeowners to keep these costs in mind when budgeting for a mosquito misting system. Typically, a standard synthetic insecticide will cost about $70 to $150 to refill a half-gallon tank, while commercial organic and natural insecticide solutions will cost between $80 and $200 for a half-gallon tank refill.

• Synthetic insecticides tend to last longer, and the commercial products cost less than organic alternatives. However, the drawback to synthetic insecticides is that they are more harmful to people, pets, and the environment.
• Organic and natural insecticides are better for the environment and tend to pose less risk to people and pets, though these products cost more and typically degrade faster than synthetic solutions. DIYers may be able to cut costs by mixing their own natural pesticide solutions.

System Brand

The brand of mosquito misting systems tends to vary in price and features, so before purchasing a misting system or hiring a pest control company for installation, homeowners are advised to research the various options to find a mosquito misting system that suits their needs and budget.

Affordable brands, such as Remington, start at about $550, while premium brands, such as MistAway and MosquitoNix, may cost as much as $4,000. Homeowners will want to compare the products offered by each brand and weigh the benefits against the costs to determine the best mosquito misting system for their home.

Storage Type

The pesticide spray that is used to treat ongoing mosquito infestations can be stored in two different ways depending on the system: drum-based and tankless.

• Drum-based mosquito misting systems are the more affordable of the two storage types, ranging in cost from $350 to $2,500. Tanks can range from 12 gallons to 55 gallons in size. The larger the storage tank, the higher the price of the mosquito misting system. These drums contain a mixture of insecticide and water that is ready to be sprayed.
• Tankless mosquito misting systems utilize a small container of concentrated insecticide. When the misting system disperses the insecticide, the concentrate is mixed with water before it is sprayed across the designated area. This method of insecticide storage reduces the amount of space the system takes up, but tankless mosquito misters do need to be filled up more frequently, and they tend to cost more, ranging from $1,200 to $3,000.

Number of Nozzles

Another factor for homeowners to consider when putting together a budget to purchase and install a mosquito misting system is the number of nozzles that will be required to ensure adequate coverage of the designated area. The larger the area, the more tubes and spray nozzles that will be needed. A standard system with 30 nozzles will typically cost about $1,800 to $3,000, while larger properties or those with multiple mosquito hot zones may require additional nozzles at a cost of about $5 to $20 each.

Additionally, if the system is using a higher number of nozzles or the user wants to apply the pesticide over a greater area, then they may need to invest in a compressor with a higher pressure output. Compressors with low output power cost about $60 to $150. As the pressure output increases, the cost also increases, so homeowners may end up paying as much as $800 to $1,000 for a high-output compressor.

Labor

The labor involved with installing a mosquito misting system can vary among pest control companies, so it’s recommended that homeowners research at least three local companies to ensure they get a fair price for the work. Professionals generally charge about $200 to $1,000 for the installation of a mosquito misting system, though the exact price depends on the size of the system, number of nozzles, and complexity of the installation.

Standard 30-nozzle systems with a relatively straightforward installation will cost about $400 to $700 or about $50 to $100 per hour. Depending on the complexity of the job, some avid DIYers may be able to handle the installation of the system, saving money on the total cost of the project.

Winterization

If a mosquito misting system is exposed to freezing temperatures, the nozzles, water lines, and even the storage tank can crack, leading to leaks in the system when the warm weather returns. In many areas it’s necessary to winterize the mosquito misting system by emptying the insecticide solution, rinsing the system with water, and removing any remaining water with an air compressor.

Homeowners will want to make sure to unplug the mosquito misting system from the power source and double-check for any remaining water to prevent it from freezing and expanding inside the system. DIYers can typically handle this work on their own, though if this seems too complex, some pest control companies offer winterizing services for about $50 to $100.

Types of Mosquito Misting Systems

There are several types of mosquito misting systems, differentiated primarily based on the release method, size, and power source. The four most common types of mosquito misting systems include automatic, portable, remote, and solar. More information about each type of system and its average cost can be found below.

Automatic

Automatic mosquito misting systems make mosquito prevention easy. These systems are made so that the user can schedule the mosquito treatments to recur at specific periods throughout the day, allowing the user to set it and forget it. Typically, an automatic mosquito misting system will feature preset cycle options, so the mosquitoes will be sprayed when they are the most active.

After setting the misting system, users no longer need to worry about adjusting the controls. The system will automatically spray according to the set schedule as long as there is pesticide solution in the tank. Homeowners can expect to pay about $350 to $2,800 for the purchase and installation of an automatic mosquito misting system.

Portable

Home mosquito misting systems are great for preventing mosquito infestations outside the house and in the yard, but they remain in a fixed location after installation. Portable mosquito misting systems are designed for travel, allowing the user to pack up the system in the back of a car or truck. The portable system can then be set up at a campsite or cottage to fend off mosquito populations while the user enjoys the outdoors.

The cost of a portable mosquito misting system ranges from $700 to $2,500, depending on the model, generator power, number of nozzles, and tank capacity. Most portable mosquito misting systems come with a portable power generator to ensure that the spray nozzles function properly, though some models rely on a rechargeable internal battery.

Remote

Remote mosquito misting systems are made for those who want a step up from an automatic mosquito misting system. These misting systems can be set for automated use, similar to an automatic misting system, so that users can set it and forget it. However, remote systems also come with a designated remote, smart home compatibility, or mobile app control that allows the user to operate and adjust the system settings as desired.

Homeowners can set the misting system to operate during scheduled times throughout the day and make changes to the schedule as necessary to better reflect when local mosquito populations seem to be the most active. Homeowners will typically pay more for a remote system than for any other type of mosquito mister. These misting systems cost about $350 to $3,000 on average.

Solar

When the mosquito problem is relatively small, solar misting systems can be a good option, ranging in cost from just $350 to $500. These misting systems are relatively new technology, so they are currently limited in the number and variety of models available for purchase. Additionally, solar misters tend to operate over a smaller range than other misting systems.

However, solar misting systems don’t rely on a direct connection to the home, a generator, or an internal battery for power. Instead, they can operate with nothing more than the energy provided by the sun. When the sun is down, most solar mosquito misting systems are able to connect to a backup power source, so users don’t need to worry about losing mosquito protection when the sun goes down.

Benefits of Installing a Mosquito Misting System

The primary reason for installing a mosquito misting system is to reduce the mosquito population in the immediate vicinity. If the treatment is successful, this will aid in disease prevention by leading to fewer mosquito bites. It will also allow homeowners and residents to make better use of the yard. Those who are still unsure about investing in a mosquito misting system can take a look at the wide range of benefits below.

Reduced Mosquito Population

Regularly treating the yard with a mosquito misting system can help to kill any flying mosquitoes, repel any adult mosquitoes that survive, and reduce the mosquito population by interfering with the breeding cycle of these backyard pests. Homeowners can set the mosquito misting system to treat the yard early in the morning and at dusk, so that the pesticide mist will be released when the mosquitoes are the most active.

This method of treating mosquito infestations is persistent and widespread, rapidly reducing the mosquito population without the need for costly professional treatments. The fewer mosquitoes in the area, the less likely residents are to get bitten, allowing them to be outdoors without worrying about these pests.

Increased Yard Use

When the summer sun is high overhead, it’s nice to head out to the yard to sit with a drink or light up the grill. However, pesky mosquitoes can make the yard an unwelcoming place to sit and relax, especially during the evening, when mosquitoes are the most active. Investing in a mosquito misting system can help homeowners battle against growing mosquito infestations.

The mosquito misting system will release a pesticidal mist from a number of well-positioned nozzles, allowing the user to treat a wide area multiple times throughout the day to radically decrease the mosquito population. After successfully treating the yard, homeowners and residents will be able to take full advantage of the summer sun without worrying about mosquito bites.

Fewer Mosquito Bites

Fewer mosquitoes in the area also leads to fewer mosquito bites and a reduced risk of contracting a mosquito-borne disease, such as Zika virus or West Nile virus. Homeowners are advised to invest in a mosquito misting system that can be used two or three times a day when mosquitoes are the most active to kill flying mosquitoes, repel survivors, reduce breeding pairs, and interfere with the mosquito breeding cycle.

While the best mosquito yard sprays, candles, and homemade mosquito repellents can be effective in the short term, a mosquito misting system gives the homeowner full control over the entire yard. Automatic misting systems can be set up to automatically release a pesticide mist at preset periods, while remote systems can be controlled directly through a mobile app or a dedicated remote, allowing the user to eliminate pest problems when they occur.

Disease Prevention

One of the best reasons for investing in a mosquito misting system is to prevent the spread of diseases that mosquitoes are known to carry. The CDC mentions several diseases that mosquitoes can transmit to people and pets through mosquito bites, including yellow fever, Zika virus, West Nile virus, and heartworm.

• Yellow fever is common in tropical areas of Africa, Central America, and South America. Symptoms of yellow fever include jaundice, fever, vomiting, headache, nausea, fatigue, appetite loss, muscle pain, and, in extreme cases, death.
• Zika virus has been found in Florida, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and countries throughout the world. This virus causes rashes, fever, joint pain, red eyes, and birth defects in unborn children.
• West Nile virus (WNV) is one of the leading causes of mosquito-borne illness in the United States. Symptoms include headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, disorientation, tremors, seizures, paralysis, and death.
• Heartworm is a life-threatening disease that can affect both humans and pets. Heartworms get into the bloodstream through mosquito bites. Symptoms typically include fatigue, breathing problems, pleural effusion, jugular distension, syncope, and heart failure.

Cost Effectiveness

Mosquito control costs can be high, especially if homeowners are regularly purchasing mosquito sprays, foggers, and repellents or if there is a large mosquito population infesting the yard. The best mosquito control services can certainly help homeowners keep their yard free from mosquitoes, but the company will need to make multiple return trips, which adds to the cost. These solutions are generally limited by the number of uses and the effectiveness of onetime treatments. Instead of a short-term reduction in mosquito activity, it’s more cost-effective to invest in a mosquito misting system.

These mosquito misting systems can be set up around a deck or patio or throughout the yard, with standard systems using about 30 spray nozzles to disperse a pesticidal mist into the designated area. The initial cost of a mosquito misting system is significantly higher than the cost of a bottle of pesticide spray, but over time, using a mosquito misting system will help save on the cost of pesticide products because users need to worry only about refilling the misting system.

Convenience

Similarly, a mosquito misting system is generally more convenient to use than a mosquito spray, fogger, barrier repellent, or mosquito candles. After the initial installation, the mosquito misting system can be turned on with the touch of a button to treat the designated area. Depending on the type of mosquito misting system, it may even be able to be set up for automated treatments at preset periods throughout the day.

Remote mosquito misting systems take things a step further by giving users the ability to preset automated treatment periods, adjust treatment times, turn the misting system on or off, and change the system settings with a dedicated remote or a mobile app. Homeowners won’t need to waste time chasing mosquitoes with a spray can when a mosquito misting system is significantly more convenient.

Fast Results

Mosquito foggers are a great onetime solution for problematic mosquito infestations, but they rarely eliminate the entire mosquito population in the area. For those who want fast results, a mosquito misting system is a better option. Similar to a fogger, these systems treat the designated area with a widespread pesticide mist intended to kill and repel mosquitoes. However, a mosquito misting system can be used multiple times throughout the day, instead of only one time, allowing the misting system to quickly eliminate the mosquito infestation by using multiple treatments over a period of several days.

Mosquito Misting System Installation: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional 

Avid DIYers who are heavily invested in yard care and maintenance may be able to cut installation costs by putting in the misting system without professional help. Installation requires multiple steps, including measuring the tubing, hanging lines, joining pipes, installing pressure tubing, bleeding the air from the lines, and testing the system. With this in mind, DIY mosquito misting system installation is recommended only for those with significant knowledge and experience with these systems.

It’s important for homeowners to keep in mind that a mosquito misting system will release a mist of pesticide or insecticide into the air according to the layout of the nozzles. If the system is not installed properly or if there are leaks in the system, then the result may not be as effective against the mosquito infestation. Additionally, leaks in the system could lead to the accidental release of pesticides into unintended locations, putting people and pets at risk.

In most cases, it’s best for homeowners to hire one of the best pest control companies (Orkin and Terminix are top options) with the skills and knowledge necessary to install the mosquito misting system. Professionals will also be able to provide feedback on the best layout for the system and may offer a warranty on the product and services, so homeowners can feel confident about the misting system installation.

How to Save Money on Mosquito Misting System Cost

The average cost of a mosquito misting system ranges from $2,026 to $3,488, so whenever possible, it’s a good idea for homeowners to find ways to reduce the cost of the installation. Some individuals may be able to save by taking on the installation as a DIY project, but depending on the personal experience of the DIYer, this isn’t always an option. Consider the methods below to help save money on mosquito misting system costs.

• Get quotes from multiple installation companies. Make sure to get the lowest installation cost possible for the installation by speaking with multiple pest control companies and comparing quotes.
• Choose a misting system appropriate for the area. Don’t invest in a costly widespread misting system for the entire yard if the problem area is limited to the porch or deck. Instead, save on the cost by selecting a misting system that is better suited to a smaller area.
• Opt for basic misting systems. Automatic and remote misting systems tend to cost more than small solar or portable misting systems. If the mosquito mister isn’t going to be used frequently, don’t invest the money in a premium misting system.
• Consider low-cost natural pesticide solutions. Check with the pest control experts to determine what pesticide solutions can be used in the mosquito misting system. If possible, switch to a natural pesticide solution made with a mixture of essential oils and water to keep costs low and reduce the impact on the environment.

Questions to Ask About Mosquito Misting System Installation

It’s always beneficial for homeowners to have as much information as possible about a product or system that will be used around the home and in the yard. Before homeowners hire a pest control company to install a mosquito misting system, it’s a good idea to ask questions about the company, the products, and the installation project. However, it’s not always easy to know what questions to ask about misting systems. Homeowners can take a look at the list of key questions below to help streamline the process and find out what they need to know about mosquito misting system installation.

• Are the installers certified or licensed as pesticide applicators in my state?
• How long will the installation take?
• What chemicals will be used in the system?
• Does this treatment work on any other pests?
• Can you provide a label and Material Safety Data Sheet for the products?
• What steps will you take to ensure that the system will not contaminate eating areas, swimming pools, streams, and water features?
• Are the chemicals safe around people and pets?
• How will you prevent the pesticides from my system from drifting onto my neighbor’s property?
• Is there an all-natural treatment option?
• How often will the system turn on?
• Does anyone need to be home when the yard is treated?
• Will you install an override system to allow me to shut off the timer when there is windy or inclement weather or when people are present outside?
• What kind of warranty is offered?
• How will the pesticide tanks be secured to prevent children or pets from being exposed to the concentrated pesticides?
• Do you offer a maintenance plan?
• How much will the installation service cost?
• What maintenance is required on the system?
• How often should the system be refilled?
• Where can I purchase suitable pesticide products to refill the system?
• How many spray nozzles are needed for my yard?

FAQs

Mosquito misting systems are an investment, so before purchasing one, homeowners are advised to learn as much as possible about the benefits, drawbacks, and function of this product. The frequently asked questions and their answers below can give homeowners more information about mosquito misting systems.

Q. Do misting systems keep mosquitoes away?

Mosquito misting systems are one of the most effective ways to keep mosquitoes away, because they can be set up around the yard with evenly spread-out nozzles, additional spray nozzles for problematic areas, and elevated nozzles to reach bushes, trees, and other dense foliage that sits up off the ground. The misting system also allows the user to spray the best mosquito repellent or pesticide at scheduled times throughout the day when mosquitoes are at their most active.

Q. Is it worth spraying for mosquitoes?

DIY mosquito sprays are an affordable option that can be used to treat small mosquito problems, but in most cases, these bulk products have limited use on their own. Professional treatments, such as those provided by the Mosquito Authority, are more effective, often lasting for about 30 days before additional treatment is required. However, a mosquito misting system, such as those sold by Texan Mosquito Systems, allows users to schedule treatments multiple times throughout the day when mosquitoes are most active, to ensure the treatment is as effective as possible.

Q. Is mosquito misting safe?

The downside to insect repellents is that even when you are using relatively safe products, such as peppermint or citronella essential oils, the repellents can still have negative effects on nearby humans and pets. So, a mosquito misting system can be considered only as safe as the product it is spraying. Powerful chemical sprays are not safe for people or pets; all-natural repellents pose significantly less risk to people, pets, and the environment.

Q. How long does mosquito misting last?

Even with additional nozzles, a mosquito misting treatment is intended to last for only a few hours after each spray. These systems primarily target flying mosquitoes, so they are typically used in the early morning and at dusk, when mosquito activity is at its highest.

Q. What is the best mosquito control method?

There are many ways to treat mosquitoes, such as repellent all-natural barrier treatments, ultrasonic barrier treatment technology, natural sprays, EPA-registered aerosol sprays, electric mosquito killers, plants that keep mosquitoes away, foggers, and misting systems. There are also newer options, such as the Thermacell mosquito repellent smart home system, which uses metofluthrin (a synthetic molecule that repels mosquitoes and is undetectable to humans). However, the best method for handling mosquito problems is to destroy and treat the mosquito breeding grounds. To do so, eliminate or reduce all standing bodies of water near the home, including bird baths, empty flower pots, or clogged gutters. Keep the grass cut short, and make sure to clean up any yard debris as soon as possible to make the area less appealing to mosquitoes.

Q. Is fogging or misting better for mosquitoes?

In most cases, misting is better than fogging when it comes to treating mosquito infestations. This is primarily due to the fact that a fogger can be used only once, while a misting system can be set up to release a chemical treatment twice a day.

Q. What is the difference between fogging and misting mosquitoes?

Mosquito fogging is essentially a onetime dispersal of a chemical mist to treat an existing mosquito infestation. This means that the user cannot make adjustments over time and the fogger may not eliminate the problem. A mosquito misting system features a series of nozzles that are used to release a chemical mist at recurring periods throughout the day. Typically, the spray nozzles will release the chemical mist at dusk and just before sunrise, when mosquito populations are the most active.

Q. What can I spray in my room to keep mosquitoes away?

When outdoor time is over and you are ready to head inside, you may find that some mosquitoes have managed to find their way indoors. There are several effective products that can be used to get rid of these annoying insects, including an EPA-registered aerosol mosquito killer, the best mosquito traps, biodegradable insect repellent, or even natural products such as citronella oil or peppermint oil, which kills mosquitoes on contact.

Q. What is the best time for mosquito misting?

The best time for mosquito misting systems to be used is at dusk, when the mosquitoes are the most active. This is because the spray primarily targets flying mosquitoes.

Q. What are the disadvantages of mosquito fogging?

Using a mosquito fogger for backyard mosquito control comes with several drawbacks. First, foggers are susceptible to wind, so the treatment will be less effective if it’s applied on a windy day. This treatment also produces an undesirable scent and can cause damage to outdoor furniture and deck surfaces. While fogging will kill active adult mosquitoes, it also has the side effect of creating insecticide-resistant mosquitoes by increasing larvae resistance to treatments. Lastly, mosquito fogging can put adults, kids, and pets at risk for short-term health effects.

Q. Do outdoor mosquito systems work?

A mosquito misting system is an effective solution to mosquito infestations, though it’s recommended to pair this convenient solution with appropriate home mosquito control, such as throwing out yard debris, regularly trimming the grass, and getting rid of common areas where mosquitoes may lay eggs, such as nearby water puddles or an unused container with water.

Q. Will rain wash away mosquito spray?

Rain isn’t as big of a problem as most people may expect. Commercial treatments and even some DIY treatments will bond to the foliage in about 30 minutes, becoming waterproof.

Q. How often should I spray my yard for mosquitoes?

Deciding when to spray the yard for mosquito control depends on the mosquito population levels in the area, the specific pest-control product, and the weather conditions. When conditions are optimal, spraying the yard is recommended about once every 30 days.

Sources: HomeAdvisor, Fixr

 

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